UEL supports 13,000 jobs and contributes £1.1bn to economy

New data reveals UEL supports over 2,900 jobs in Newham alone, but political debate about university value still ignores their role as economic anchors in Britain's most deprived communities.

New research published today shows that if the University of East London (UEL) disappeared tomorrow, nearly 3,000 jobs would vanish from the London Borough of Newham – more than the combined workforce of West Ham United FC and London City Airport.¹

The data also shows the UK economy would lose £1.17 billion in economic output, as well as £562.5 million in Gross Value Added – the equivalent of over 18,000 nurses’ annual salaries². Over 4,000 vulnerable east London residents would also lose access to free legal advice, health checks, and financial support³. 

The findings highlight a gap between how Britain debates university value – invariably emphasising tuition fees and graduate employment outcomes, without the broader contribution universities make as major employers, economic engines, and community anchors. 

The independent economic impact study shows that in 2024, UEL generated over £1.17 billion in economic output and supported 13,275 jobs nationwide. In Newham, one of London's most deprived boroughs, 2,931 local jobs are dependent on its operation and the University provides 1.65% of all employment.

In 2024, UEL's £279 million turnover exceeded West Ham United FC by £10 million and is 2.5 that of London City Airport⁴.  The University employs 2,210 people which is 2.5 times more than West Ham and 3.5 times more than the Airport.

The study also shows that 76% of UEL-dependent jobs in Newham are within the University itself, but a further 721 jobs exist in other local businesses sustained by University and student spending. Without UEL, this entire employment ecosystem would be significantly diminished, damaging east London and the prospects of many residents.

Beyond employment figures, the research also highlights the University’s role in delivering essential community services that would otherwise be unavailable. In 2025: 

• UEL's Legal Advice Centre provided over £239,000 worth of pro bono legal support to 521 users.
• Its Tax and Accountancy Clinic has helped 350 clients – including 120 local businesses – delivering £38,190 in free professional advice.
• More than 2,000 free health checks were provided to Newham residents. 

This community-facing health offering is set to expand further following the opening of UEL’s Neighbourhood Health Hub by Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in October 2025.

UEL also plays a significant role in social mobility. More than 4,000 of its students come from east London – including over 1,000 from Newham itself – helping retain skilled graduates in an area where opportunities are limited and where graduate talent is vital to local growth. The University’s international student body generates £342 million in export earnings for the UK economy.

UEL is part of a wider cluster of universities across London that collectively underpin the region’s economic growth, skills pipeline, and innovation capacity. Together, these institutions support tens of thousands of jobs, attract global investment through international students and research activity, and play a critical role in the regeneration of some of the capital’s most deprived communities.

Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London, said: 

Britain is having the wrong conversation about universities. Graduate employability matters, and universities like UEL take that responsibility seriously, doing the country’s heavy lifting on social mobility. But when those measures become the only way we assess value, we miss the bigger picture.

UEL isn't just educating over 40,000 students in London and around the world. We're one of the largest employers in Newham, generating over £335 million in local economic output as part of our £1.17 billion national contribution, and providing essential services to thousands of residents who couldn't afford private alternatives. The UK's future depends on universities being genuine partners to business and communities – these findings make you think again about what we already contribute, and what communities would lose without us."

Uma Kumaran, MP for Stratford and Bow, said:

It’s great to see the full picture of just how much University of East London is powering the rise of Newham and east London – even beyond its offer to students and employers in the UK and around the world.”

Newham, along with three neighbouring boroughs, ranks among the most income-deprived areas in England. The data published today underscores the role of universities as anchor institutions whose contribution extends far beyond education alone, shining a light on how UEL is powering the rise of east London. 

 ¹_{UEL employs 2,210 staff which contribute to the total of 2931 jobs in Newham which are dependent on the University. London City Airport Ltd’s has 587 employees and West Ham United FC has 881.}

 _{²Calculated according to an NHS Band 5 salary – which is the starting point for qualified nurses – of £31,048.}

³ _{UEL’s Legal Advice Centre supported 521 clients, its Tax and Accountancy Clinic supported 350 different clients, the Health Check services screened approx. 2000 users, and the Sports Therapy clinic delivered c. 1350 Sports Therapy sessions.}

⁴ _{Since this independent economic analysis was completed, UEL has continued to grow, with a 2025 turnover of £298 million, outperforming West Ham United FC by over £70m in that year.}